Modulatory Effects of CNNM4 on Protein-L-Isoaspartyl-O-Methyltransferase Repair Function during Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Damage

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related mortality worldwide, with limited treatment options beyond abstinence and liver transplantation. Chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency, which can influence the liver disease progression. The mechanisms underlying Mg2+ homeostasis dysregulation in ALD remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of the Mg2+ transporter Cyclin M4 (CNNM4) in ALD by analyzing its expression patterns in ALD patients and preclinical animal models. In this study, CNNM4 is upregulated in the liver of both ALD patients and animal models. CNNM4 overexpression triggers Mg²⁺ homeostasis dysregulation, linked to ALD progression. We propose a novel therapeutic approach for ALD treatment using N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) silencing RNA (siRNA) technology to specifically modulate Cnnm4 expression in the liver, improving mitochondrial function and alleviating ER stress. Notably, silencing Cnnm4 restores protein isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PCMT1) activity, essential for repairing ethanol-induced protein damage. Enhancing mitochondrial activity through Cnnm4-dependent mechanisms increases SAMe levels, crucial for PCMT1 function, highlighting the interconnected roles of mitochondrial health and protein homeostasis in ALD treatment. These findings shed light on the dysregulation of Mg2+ homeostasis in ALD, providing a promising therapeutic approach targeting CNNM4. GalNAc siCnnm4 therapy boost the repair processes of ethanol damaged proteins through the upregulation of PCMT1 activity.